and_o the_o more_o resolve_o choose_v he_o iii_o choice_n of_o god_n do_v also_o imply_v a_o desire_n after_o and_o a_o love_n to_o god_n this_o be_v apparent_a in_o nature_n a_o man_n will_v never_o choose_v that_o against_o which_o he_o have_v a_o enmity_n or_o a_o antipathy_n a_o man_n will_v not_o choose_v that_o meat_n that_o he_o have_v antipathy_n against_o now_o there_o be_v never_o a_o one_o of_o we_o but_o be_v natural_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.10_o with_o rom._n 1.30_o this_o people_n can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o and_o will_v hardly_o believe_v but_o so_o it_o be_v god_n word_n tell_v you_o so_o god_n minister_n tell_v you_o so_o that_o you_o be_v bear_v enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o god_n law_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 22_o and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o will_v not_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v they_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o love_v of_o god_n go_v together_o isa_n 56.4_o with_o 6._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o eunuch_n that_o keep_v my_o sabbath_n and_o choose_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v i_o etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 6._o also_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o heart_n be_v most_o of_o all_o set_v upon_o with_o desire_n and_o love_n that_o it_o do_v choose_v affection_n always_o go_v before_o election_n and_o election_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o affection_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o that_o which_o a_o man_n take_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v he_o isa_n 26.9_o with_o 13._o with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n etc._n etc._n 13._o other_o lord_n have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o but_o by_o thou_o only_o will_v we_o make_v mention_n of_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n if_o there_o be_v the_o lest_o disgust_v of_o the_o heart_n against_o and_o loathe_v of_o any_o thing_n never_o do_v we_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o to_o be_v we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o choose_v that_o we_o can_v endure_v it_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o ground_n or_o beginning_n of_o the_o choice_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o enamour_v with_o desire_n after_o he_o than_o it_o will_v choose_v he_o the_o choice_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n if_o that_o be_v alienate_v there_o be_v no_o closure_n with_o nor_o choice_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o nor_o of_o god_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v still_o alienate_v from_o he_o if_o we_o love_v he_o we_o choose_v he_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v antecedaneous_a to_o the_o choice_n of_o god_n do_v go_v before_o it_o now_o there_o be_v two_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v and_o they_o be_v election_n and_o appropriation_n iv_o the_o first_o of_o these_o or_o the_o four_o in_o order_n to_o the_o former_a be_v the_o election_n and_o preference_n of_o god_n above_o all_o so_o that_o now_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v neglect_v and_o undervalue_v in_o comparison_n with_o god_n thus_o david_n say_v psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o the_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o david_n choose_v god_n because_o he_o have_v god_n a_o esteem_n above_o all_o the_o world_n q._n d._n take_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n yea_o heaven_n and_o earth_n themselves_o whosoever_o will_v so_o as_o i_o may_v have_v god_n to_o be_v i_o now_o do_v thy_o soul_n say_v so_o so_o when_o jesus_n christ_n be_v choose_v by_o a_o soul_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v but_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n phil._n 3.8_o 9_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n chief_a duty_n and_o disposition_n eminent_o to_o prefer_v god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v a_o christian_n all_n and_o his_o all_o be_v in_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n choose_v god_n a_o right_n v._o but_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o the_o soul_n actual_a choice_n consist_v be_v appropriation_n of_o god_n to_o a_o man_n self_n a_o take_a god_n to_o be_v his_o own_o when_o we_o lie_v claim_v to_o god_n as_o our_o peculiar_a portion_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o one_o that_o have_v interest_n in_o nor_o relation_n to_o god_n but_o ourselves_o only_o so_o the_o church_n psal_n 67.6_o and_o god_n even_o our_o own_o god_n shall_v bless_v we_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o such_o expression_n through_o the_o scripture_n as_o here_o imply_v such_o special_a appropriation_n when_o the_o soul_n take_v hold_v on_o god_n receive_v he_o and_o embrace_v he_o as_o his_o own_o peculiar_a as_o if_o he_o be_v his_o own_o and_o none_o else_o beside_o the_o church_n seem_v so_o to_o speak_v as_o if_o it_o be_v her_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o her_o be_v alone_a to_o appropriate_v and_o claim_n god_n to_o herself_o when_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o say_v god_n be_v my_o own_o god_n than_o he_o have_v choose_v god_n indeed_o so_o david_n psal_n 18.1_o 2._o i_o will_v love_v thou_o o_o lord_n my_o strength_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o god_n my_o strength_n in_o who_o i_o will_v trust_v my_o buckler_n and_o the_o horn_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o my_o high_a tower_n how_o many_o my_n be_v there_o no_o less_o than_o eight_o or_o nine_o which_o the_o prophet_n as_o so_o many_o term_n of_o interest_n do_v there_o use_v to_o express_v propriety_n and_o as_o the_o church_n say_v elsewhere_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o song_z 2.6_o vi_o choose_v of_o god_n consist_v as_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o in_o the_o rejection_n oâ—_n all_o other_o beside_o god_n when_o once_o god_n be_v choose_v than_o all_o other_o god_n be_v cast_v away_o this_o be_v according_a to_o what_o god_n himself_o do_v call_v for_o and_o require_v hos_fw-la 3.3_o and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o shall_v abide_v for_o i_o many_o day_n thou_o shall_v not_o play_v the_o harlot_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v for_o another_o so_o will_v i_o also_o be_v for_o thou_o as_o god_n can_v endure_v the_o soul_n shall_v have_v any_o god_n beside_o he_o but_o do_v command_v the_o contrary_a so_o neither_o will_v the_o soul_n endure_v it_o just_o as_o a_o virgin_n that_o have_v many_o suitor_n when_o once_o her_o affection_n be_v set_v on_o the_o person_n who_o she_o make_v choice_n of_o then_o away_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n she_o will_v not_o converse_v with_o they_o any_o more_o so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o there_o be_v a_o indifferency_n in_o the_o affection_n to_o divers_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o choice_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v for_o the_o choice_n be_v once_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v overlook_v and_o refuse_v but_o there_o be_v a_o indifferency_n still_o remain_v where_o more_o than_o one_o be_v entertain_v psal_n 81.9_o 10._o o_o israel_n if_o thou_o will_v hearken_v unto_o i_o there_o shall_v no_o strange_a god_n be_v in_o thou_o neither_o shall_v thou_o worship_v any_o strange_a god_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n they_o that_o have_v or_o will_v have_v god_n for_o they_o must_v have_v no_o other_o to_o themselves_o but_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o we_o see_v wherein_o the_o choose_n of_o god_n consist_v chap._n iii_o the_o second_o thing_n open_v viz._n why_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v we_o have_v dispatch_v and_o clear_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o explication_n we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n why_o it_o be_v the_o high_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v we_o in_o general_a this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n because_o god_n be_v only_o good_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v branch_v out_o into_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o god_n be_v the_o chief_a good_n 2._o god_n be_v a_o communicative_a good_n 3._o god_n be_v the_o only_a satisfy_a good_n bonum_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la first_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o best_a good_a that_o can_v be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n god_n be_v all_o good_a and_o all_o good_a be_v in_o god_n nothing_o be_v good_a without_o god_n and_o there_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n good_a to_o be_v find_v ouâ—_n 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o no_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v good_a but_o god_n luk._n 18.19_o and_o this_o we_o know_v to_o be_v true_a in_o nature_n that_o good_a be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o choice_n nothing_o be_v choose_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v good_a or_o appear_v to_o
procure_v that_o great_a dignity_n to_o be_v match_v into_o the_o crown_n of_o heaven_n the_o lord_n give_v a_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o success_n to_o this_o present_a discourse_n and_o cause_n soul_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o strict_a way_n of_o communâ—â—â—_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v thy_o friend_n and_o wellwisher_a in_o spiritual-affair_n thomas_n watson_n octob._n 28._o 1674._o the_o preface_n courteous_a reader_n i_o do_v here_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o take_v up_o a_o book_n in_o my_o house_n and_o look_v on_o the_o name_n of_o some_o book_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o i_o there_o meet_v with_o a_o discovery_n of_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o same_o subject_a both_o for_o matter_n and_o text_n a_o discourse_n i_o say_v of_o a_o very_a reverend_n divine_a mr._n richard_n vine_n but_o i_o can_v and_o must_v as_o true_o acquaint_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v after_o these_o meditation_n of_o i_o be_v study_v preach_v and_o intend_v for_o the_o press_n and_o have_v transient_o view_v it_o for_o i_o have_v not_o have_v time_n for_o various_a diversion_n to_o read_v it_o over_o though_o i_o believe_v near_o as_o short_a as_o my_o own_o and_o indeed_o one_o main_a reason_n be_v the_o fit_v my_o own_o for_o and_o haste_v it_o to_o the_o press_n i_o find_v that_o he_o and_o i_o differ_v very_o much_o as_o to_o the_o methed_a of_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o bless_a privilege_n and_o i_o have_v read_v from_o st._n austin_n that_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a for_o divers_a to_o handle_v the_o same_o point_n alii_fw-la sic_fw-la alii_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la some_o in_o this_o wise_a some_o otherwise_o whatsoever_o come_v from_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v excellent_a good_a yet_o since_o that_o may_v be_v out_o of_o the_o press_n and_o know_v to_o very_a few_o but_o in_o and_o about_o london_n and_o scarce_o to_o be_v get_v i_o judge_v this_o as_o it_o can_v detract_v from_o the_o worth_n so_o nor_o prejudice_n the_o esteem_n and_o i_o hope_v will_v never_o hinder_v the_o pausal_n of_o that_o leave_v both_o that_o this_o and_o thou_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o not_o dare_v but_o out_o of_o a_o ingenuous_a strain_n heartedness_n to_o give_v thou_o this_o notice_n be_v myself_o accidental_o acquaint_v with_o it_o i_o remain_v thou_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n s.w._n from_o my_o study_n aug._n 28._o 1674._o god_n covenant-people_n near_o unto_o he_o psal_n 148._o part_n of_o the_o last_o vers_fw-la a_o people_n near_o unto_o he_o this_o psalm_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v eucharistical_a pen_v by_o way_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n do_v exhort_v all_o the_o creature_n to_o that_o duty_n both_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v one_o earth_n too_o and_o i_o can_v better_o distribute_v they_o than_o it_o be_v already_o do_v in_o the_o content_v prefix_v before_o it_o with_o a_o very_a little_a variation_n 1._o we_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n all_o thing_n celestial_a exhort_v so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o four_o first_o verse_n praise_v the_o lord_n from_o the_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 1._o praise_v he_o all_o you_o his_o angel_n vers_fw-la 2._o all_o his_o host_n praise_v he_o sun_n moon_n star_n vers_fw-la 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n subjoin_v vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o for_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v and_o he_o have_v establish_v they_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o etc._n etc._n 2._o all_o thing_n terrestrial_a from_o the_o seven_o vers_fw-la to_o the_o 13_o vers_fw-la wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v all_o thing_n iâ—aâ—iâ—ate_v or_o life-less_a be_v exhort_v to_o bless_v god_n with_o all_o thing_n animate_v or_o live_n 1._o irrational_a creature_n beast_n and_o all_o cattle_n creep_v thing_n 2._o rational_a creature_n of_o all_o rank_n king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o prince_n and_o all_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o all_o age_n young_z mâ—n_z and_o maiden_n old_a man_n and_o child_n and_o here_o be_v good_a reason_n here_o subjoin_v too_o first_o from_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o vers_fw-la 13._o his_o name_n be_v excellent_a and_o his_o glory_n above_o the_o earth_n and_o heaven_n 2_o from_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o own_o people_n vers_n 14_o &_o ult_n he_o have_v exalt_v the_o horn_n of_o his_o people_n that_o be_v the_o dignity_n prosperity_n and_o plenty_n of_o his_o people_n after_o which_o the_o prophet_n go_v on_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o title_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o â—â—â—led_v saint_n then_o specify_v who_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o peopleâ—_n of_o israel_n the_o alone_a people_n that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o all_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n 3._o then_o show_v their_o privilege_n what_o their_o happiness_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n they_o be_v a_o people_n near_o unto_o he_o so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o word_n lay_v before_o we_o the_o privilege_n happiness_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v before_o you_o in_o this_o observation_n doct._n that_o god_n church_n &_o people_n be_v near_o unto_o he_o or_o god_n saint_n and_o covenant-people_n be_v a_o people_n near_o unto_o he_o or_o as_o word_n for_o word_n it_o may_v be_v render_v his_o near_a people_n 〈…〉_o â—ssiâ—â—m_fw-la pronomâ—n_fw-la pro_fw-la sepâ—râ—to_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pro_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d m._n pâ—_n synâ—_n 〈…〉_o god_n true_a israel_n be_v his_o near_a people_n and_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o this_o text_n i_o shall_v confirm_v it_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n more_o in_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v one_o passage_n wherein_o the_o very_a privilege_n that_o be_v here_o express_o speak_v be_v strong_o employ_v jer._n 6.8_o be_v thou_o instruct_v o_o jerusâ—lem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o original_a language_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—e_n lusaka_o ronhaar_n aâ—ima_fw-la 〈◊〉_d abs_fw-la 〈◊〉_d buxt_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o my_o soul_n be_v disjoint_v from_o thou_o a_o metaphor_n from_o a_o limb_n thrust_v out_o of_o his_o place_n and_o put_v out_o of_o joint_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o nearness_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n a_o nearness_n of_o union_n of_o which_o afterward_o as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o man_n limb_n and_o joint_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o you_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o near_o that_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o separate_v they_o without_o great_a pain_n and_o difficulty_n one_o from_o another_o intimate_v what_o a_o pain_n and_o grief_n it_o be_v to_o god_n to_o leave_v or_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n loc._n annotat._n in_o loc._n who_o he_o be_v once_o in_o league_n with_o and_o with_o how_o much_o difficulty_n he_o be_v draw_v thereunto_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v open_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v draw_v up_o into_o this_o query_n how_o and_o in_o what_o regard_n be_v god_n saint_n and_o covenant-people_n say_v to_o be_v a_o people_n near_o unto_o he_o and_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o that_o through_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_a to_o you_o in_o five_o or_o six_o particular_n first_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v near_o to_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n nearness_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o this_o nearness_n be_v a_o passive_a nearness_n and_o some_o critical_o observe_v crit._n exponipo_n test_n passive_a q._n d._n populo_fw-la cvi_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la propinquus_fw-la muis_fw-la ex_fw-la ab._n ez_n m._n p._n syâ—_n crit._n they_o must_v be_v near_o to_o god_n if_o he_o be_v near_o to_o they_o nearness_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o approach_a motion_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o now_o if_o god_n be_v nigh_o unto_o his_o people_n and_o approach_v unto_o they_o certain_o then_o they_o must_v be_v near_o unto_o he_o also_o and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a nearness_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n james_n 4.8_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o you_o now_o that_o god_n be_v near_o unto_o his_o people_n the_o scripture_n be_v as_o full_a of_o it_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v deut._n 47._o it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o so_o great_a who_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o psal_n 145.18_o the_o lord_n be_v
you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v make_v nigh_o to_o god_n when_o many_o thousand_o be_v yet_o so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o only_o it_o be_v god_n goodwill_n towards_o you_o because_o he_o will_v do_v it_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o there_o be_v thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o this_o liberty_n to_o come_v near_o to_o god_n they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o enjoy_v not_o such_o a_o privilege_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o shall_v we_o serious_o consider_v it_o mark_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v deut._n 6.7_o 8._o thou_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o lord_n have_v choose_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o above_o all_o people_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o you_o or_o choose_v you_o because_o you_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o any_o people_n for_o you_o be_v the_o few_o of_o all_o people_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n love_v you_o and_o because_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o oath_n which_o he_o have_v swear_v unto_o our_o forefather_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v within_o your_o heart_n why_o shall_v god_n deal_v so_o with_o i_o to_o bring_v i_o so_o near_o to_o he_o and_o leave_v other_o in_o the_o same_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v let_v your_o heart_n be_v mighty_o affect_v with_o this_o love_n of_o god_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n methinks_v i_o can_v dwell_v on_o the_o persuasion_n of_o people_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o will_v be_v much_o more_o take_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n special_a and_o distinguish_a kindness_n towards_o they_o 4._o last_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v humble_a and_o keep_v low_a and_o that_o upon_o a_o double_a reason_n 1._o because_o that_o though_o you_o be_v a_o people_n nigh_o to_o god_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o you_o for_o though_o you_o be_v bring_v so_o near_o god_n yet_o you_o be_v but_o creature_n whereas_o god_n be_v the_o great_a creator_n you_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n god_n be_v the_o infinite_a holy_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o the_o distance_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v dwell_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o make_v you_o keep_v in_o a_o lowly_a frame_n still_o and_o shall_v create_v self-abasing_a thought_n in_o you_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o privilege_n &_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n great_a distance_n from_o we_o shall_v increase_v ourselves_o abasement_n 2._o and_o then_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n we_o shall_v be_v humble_a before_o god_n micah_n 6.8_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o love_v mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n see_v to_o it_o that_o you_o do_v walk_v more_o lowly_a and_o self-absing_o consider_v what_o you_o be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n although_o god_n have_v so_o dignify_v you_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n be_v sell_v by_o thomas_n cockeril_n at_o the_o atlas_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n the_o morning_n exercise_n at_o cripplegate_n or_o several_a case_n of_o conscience_n practical_o resolve_v by_o sundry_a minister_n in_o quarto_n the_o supplement_n to_o the_o morning_n exercise_n at_o cripplegate_n or_o several_a more_o case_n of_o conscience_n practical_o resolve_v by_o sundry_a minister_n in_o quarto_n precious_a faith_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o its_o nature_n growth_n and_o effect_n by_o edward_n polehil_n of_o burwash_n in_o sussex_n esquire_n in_o octavo_n the_o nature_n power_n deceit_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n in_o believer_n together_o with_o the_o way_n of_o its_o work_n and_o mean_n of_o prevention_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n in_o octavo_n a_o antidote_n against_o distraction_n or_o a_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o the_o daily_a case_n of_o wander_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o richard_n steel_n m._n a._n in_o octavo_n the_o reunite_a christianity_n or_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o rejoin_v all_o christian_n under_o one_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o octavo_n god_n a_o christian_n choice_n complete_v by_o particular_a covenant_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o design_n propose_v by_o mr._n r._n a._n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o vindication_n of_o godliness_n and_o by_o mr._n thomas_n vincent_n in_o his_o book_n call_v word_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v in_o twelves_o
god_n be_v so_o infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o satisfactory_o good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o eminent_o to_o be_v choose_v by_o they_o but_o believe_v it_o every_o one_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a indeed_o thou_o be_v not_o cause_v not_o be_v happy_a till_o thou_o have_v choose_v god_n to_o be_v thou_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o have_v a_o outward_a profession_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o and_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o this_o to_o have_v and_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v thou_o to_o take_v god_n to_o be_v thy_o own_o can_v thou_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v not_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v godly_a that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o god_n be_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n name_v from_o god_n here_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o real_a christianity_n whatsoever_o the_o profession_n be_v till_o this_o be_v do_v do_v not_o you_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o content_v yourselves_o with_o the_o paint_n of_o religion_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v christian_n if_o you_o have_v not_o take_v god_n to_o be_v you_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v not_o christian_n indeed_o that_o man_n that_o have_v not_o choose_v god_n for_o his_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o learned_a the_o first_o commandment_n in_o a_o practical_a way_n what_o be_v that_o why_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o i_o exod._n 20._o and_o so_o he_o be_v no_o servant_n of_o god_n this_o command_v thou_o to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o and_o be_v thou_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o practical_o come_v up_o to_o much_o less_o take_v out_o the_o very_a first_o rule_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o dare_v say_v thou_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o chap._n v._o exhortation_n double_a first_o to_o they_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v this_o and_o show_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v to_o to_o we_o exhort_v 2._o use_v exhort_v the_o 2._o use_v of_o this_o truth_n be_v by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n double_o 1._o to_o they_o that_o have_v not_o choose_v god_n 2._o to_o they_o that_o have_v do_v so_o use_v of_o exhortation_n i._o to_o they_o that_o have_v not_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n that_o be_v yet_o to_o make_v their_o choice_n and_o alas_o how_o many_o be_v there_o yet_o so_o to_o do_v how_o many_o be_v persuade_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o do_v what_o be_v propose_v to_o you_o to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v you_o christian_n be_v you_o in_o good_a earnest_a christian_n or_o be_v you_o not_o will_v you_o choose_v god_n be_v you_o resolve_v to_o have_v he_o to_o be_v you_o here_o 3_o thing_n brief_o open_v 1._o what_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v to_o uâ—_n 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v we_o 3._o several_a motive_n to_o provoke_v hereunto_o 1._o under_o what_o notion_n we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o we_o or_o what_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v unto_o we_o 1._o to_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n to_o we_o 2._o to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o enjoyment_n to_o we_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o choose_v god_n to_o stand_v in_o all_o relation_n to_o we_o what_o relation_n i._o generally_n choose_v he_o to_o be_v our_o friend_n it_o be_v good_a have_v god_n to_o be_v a_o friend_n make_v in_o to_o he_o therefore_o and_o make_v suit_n to_o he_o to_o be_v your_o friend_n whosoever_o have_v choose_v god_n to_o be_v his_o have_v choose_v the_o best_a friend_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o be_v the_o able_a faithful_a free_a rich_a friend_n that_o be_v in_o this_o or_o in_o another_o world_n none_o so_o bountiful_a and_o ready_a to_o help_v as_o he_o and_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o we_o shall_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o when_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v christ_n to_o be_v her_o belove_a than_o he_o be_v her_o friend_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a and_o this_o be_v my_o friend_n o_o you_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n song_n 5.16_o so_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v choose_v god_n to_o be_v his_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n and_o he_o become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n james_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n call_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n my_o friend_n isa_n 41.8_o be_v you_o therefore_o persuade_v let_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v your_o chief_a friend_n ii_o more_o particular_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v to_o you_o a_o father_n god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o by_o creation_n but_o we_o east_n off_o that_o relation_n daily_o by_o our_o trausgression_n and_o rebel_n against_o he_o though_o sometime_o we_o say_v our_o father_n with_o our_o mouth_n yet_o how_o vain_a be_v this_o for_o where_o be_v his_o honour_n that_o we_o give_v he_o mal._n 1.6_o just_a as_o the_o prodigal_a cast_v off_o and_o run_v away_o from_o his_o father_n luk._n 4_o 15._o but_o when_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o of_o god_n than_o we_o choose_v god_n for_o our_o father_n again_o and_o he_o adopt_v we_o to_o be_v his_o child_n the_o new_a divine_a nature_n lay_v a_o new_a claim_n to_o the_o old_a though_o former_o lose_v relation_n as_o the_o prodigal_a do_v i_o will_v go_v to_o my_o father_n ver_fw-la 18._o and_o bespeak_v god_n as_o the_o church_n isa_n 63.16_o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n we_o be_v command_v to_o calâ—_n no_o man_n father_n upon_o earth_n matâ—_n 23._o understand_v it_o in_o a_o right_a senseâ—_n not_o as_o though_o we_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o ouâ—_n natural_a relation_n as_o some_o wicked_o do_v for_o that_o we_o have_v one_o to_o be_v ouâ—_n father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whâ—_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o father_n to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o son_n and_o daughter_n 2_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o therefore_o well_o may_v we_o and_o of_o dutâ—_n ought_v to_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v so_o untâ—_n we_o iii_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o you_o this_o god_n offer_v himself_o most_o willing_o to_o be_v but_o we_o keep_v he_o off_o and_o will_v not_o yield_v our_o consent_n as_o a_o virgin_n do_v a_o suitor_n a_o long_a time_n that_o come_v to_o she_o how_o hard_o a_o matter_n to_o get_v the_o soul_n espouse_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o get_v the_o lord_n consent_n to_o be_v a_o husband_n as_o to_o get_v we_o to_o become_v his_o spouse_n how_o long_o and_o painful_a a_o work_n be_v it_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v woo_v for_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v beseech_v in_o christ_n name_n before_o they_o can_v get_v the_o consent_n of_o one_o soul_n to_o he_o marry_v to_o he_o jer._n 3.14_o turn_v o_o back_o slide_v chilaren_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o god_n say_v i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o love_a kindness_n and_o in_o mercy_n i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o faithfulness_n three_o time_n together_o hos_fw-la 2.19_o 20._o but_o we_o be_v very_o loath_a we_o will_v not_o be_v betroth_v we_o can_v be_v win_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o god_n be_v our_o maker_n and_o say_v further_a thy_o maker_n be_v thy_o husband_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n isa_n 54.5_o what_o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o maker_n for_o your_o husband_n what_o better_a husband_n can_v there_o be_v iv_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o master_n so_o much_o be_v employ_v as_o our_o duty_n in_o the_o text_n you_o have_v choose_v you_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o other_o lord_n do_v and_o have_v rule_v over_o we_o and_o oh_o that_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o thou_o only_o will_v we_o make_v mention_n of_o thy_o name_n isa_n 26.13_o which_o imply_v a_o choice_n of_o god_n and_o a_o rejection_n of_o other_o be_v persuade_v to_o cast_v off_o all_o other_o lord_n world_n and_o flesh_n and_o devil_n take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o you_o enter_v into_o covenant_n every_o one_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n as_o the_o eunuch_n do_v isa_n 56.6_o say_v as_o david_n psal_n 116.16_o oh_o lord_n true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o choose_v god_n and_o christ_n to_o rule_v govern_v and_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o to_o be_v our_o leader_n and_o commander_n isa_n 55.4_o let_v he_o be_v our_o only_a lord_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o
upon_o oh_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a beauty_n of_o ten_o thousand_o sun_n shine_v in_o their_o noonday_n splendour_n can_v match_v the_o brightness_n that_o shine_v in_o his_o face_n continual_o how_o earnest_o do_v the_o prophet_n both_o desire_n and_o seek_v after_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 27.4.2_o if_o a_o honourable_a person_n make_v choice_n of_o and_o sue_v to_o a_o person_n of_o mean_a extraction_n how_o soon_o do_v the_o affection_n seem_v to_o comply_v david_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o his_o majesty_n psal_n 145.5_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o honour_n and_o majesty_n psal_n 104.1.3_o if_o greatness_n will_v prevail_v on_o we_o god_n greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a psal_n 145.3_o who_o can_v praise_v he_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a greatness_n psal_n 150.2.4_o if_o riches_n oh_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 3.8.5_o if_o faithfulness_n will_v do_v how_o faithful_a be_v all_o his_o promise_n how_o many_o suitor_n come_v with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o promise_n with_o great_a show_n of_o riches_n greatness_n and_o honour_n yet_o altogether_o insignificant_a but_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v psal_n 89.6_o if_o wisdom_n none_o will_v choose_v if_o possible_a a_o fool_n to_o himself_o now_o god_n be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n 1_o tim._n 1.17.7_o if_o love_n how_o great_a be_v the_o love_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v we_o eph._n 2.4.8_o if_o patience_n will_v at_o last_o prevail_v oh_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o patience_n how_o many_o refusal_n and_o putoffs_a have_v he_o bear_v at_o our_o hand_n which_o yet_o shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n no_o nor_o cast_v in_o our_o tooth_n if_o at_o last_o we_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o choose_v and_o give_v our_o consent_n to_o he_o 9_o if_o importunity_n who_o have_v use_v more_o how_o oft_o have_v he_o beseech_v we_o by_o his_o minister_n by_o his_o word_n spirit_n mercy_n menace_n what_o not_o 10._o if_o blessedness_n oh_o the_o infinite_a glorious_a eternal_a blessedness_n of_o god_n psal_n 119.12_o be_v he_o not_o god_n blessod_a for_o ever_o rom._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o bless_a and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o blessedness_n o_o at_o last_o let_v some_o or_o all_o these_o thing_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v your_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o god_n be_v before_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o these_o eminent_a perfection_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a in_o he_o than_o in_o all_o other_o beside_o he_o so_o much_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o effectual_o prevail_v with_o speedy_o without_o debate_n or_o delay_n to_o choose_v he_o before_o any_o of_o they_o all_o 8._o mot._n consider_v moreover_o if_o you_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v your_o god_n you_o shall_v be_v sure_a here_o to_o enjoy_v your_o choice_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n so_o whatsoever_o we_o choose_v elsewhere_o we_o may_v miss_v of_o and_o go_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o as_o well_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mean_a thing_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o more_o excellent_a in_o and_o among_o these_o low_a contemptible_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o low_a of_o they_o we_o can_v choose_v and_o take_v but_o i_o dare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o make_v this_o offer_n to_o any_o person_n whosoever_o that_o if_o he_o choose_v real_o and_o unfeigned_o god_n to_o be_v his_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v choose_v he_o and_o take_v he_o choose_v he_o and_o he_o will_v become_v thou_o thou_o have_v he_o as_o thy_o own_o and_o shall_v enjoy_v and_o possess_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o he_o as_o thy_o own_o peculiar_a treasure_n if_o thou_o choose_v he_o and_o embrace_v he_o we_o can_v wish_v &_o have_v choose_v and_o possess_v in_o these_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n if_o so_o who_o will_v not_o be_v in_o a_o far_o better_a estate_n than_o he_o be_v and_o can_v be_v if_o a_o poor_a maid_n will_v choose_v the_o king_n for_o her_o husband_n she_o may_v go_v without_o he_o or_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n choose_v a_o great_a man_n estate_n he_o may_v go_v without_o it_o but_o if_o the_o poor_a and_o unworthy_a soul_n shall_v choose_v his_o maker_n for_o his_o husband_n he_o shall_v have_v he_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n hos_fw-la 2._o and_o whosoever_o will_v choose_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o portion_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o he_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n for_o his_o mansion_n may_v enjoy_v they_o here_o you_o may_v certain_o choose_v and_o take_v by_o choice_n you_o may_v get_v interest_n in_o nay_o possession_n of_o whatsoever_o you_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o yourselves_o here_o be_v no_o failure_n nor_o frustration_n of_o your_o affection_n and_o election_n and_o will_v not_o this_o prevail_v with_o you_o 9_o mot._n yet_o once_o more_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o make_v choice_n of_o god_n for_o your_o god_n you_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o can_v never_o be_v take_v away_o from_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o choose_v of_o the_o world_n either_o be_v perish_v in_o itself_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n and_o a_o spoil_n unto_o other_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o person_n all_o worldly_a treasure_n if_o we_o can_v choose_v and_o have_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o moth_n or_o rust_n 6._o mat._n 6._o or_o else_o the_o thief_n may_v steal_v they_o and_o so_o take_v they_o away_o either_o they_o breed_v that_o will_v destroy_v themselves_o or_o else_o other_o may_v destroy_v we_o for_o they_o or_o if_o not_o so_o they_o may_v at_o least_o take_v they_o violent_o away_o from_o we_o if_o you_o choose_v gold_n that_o will_v be_v go_v if_o silver_n that_o may_v be_v take_v away_o if_o riches_n they_o take_v themselves_o wing_n and_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n and_o how_o swift_a be_v that_o prov._n 23.5_o but_o if_o you_o choose_v god_n he_o can_v never_o be_v take_v away_o god_n will_v never_o take_v himself_o away_o it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n but_o yet_o never_o take_v himself_o away_o from_o any_o soul_n that_o have_v choose_v he_o and_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o none_o else_o can_v take_v he_o away_o devil_n nor_o man_n can_v never_o rob_v we_o of_o god_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v or_o do_v take_v from_o we_o 10._o mot._n last_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o continue_v to_o refuse_v and_o will_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o he_o to_o be_v your_o god_n take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v not_o reject_v you_o and_o cast_v you_o off_o for_o ever_o if_o we_o refuse_v he_o now_o beware_v that_o he_o refuse_v we_o not_o hereafter_o when_o we_o will_v be_v not_o this_o the_o trouble_n of_o person_n when_o they_o be_v awaken_v &_o make_v sensible_a come_v to_o they_o and_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o they_o reply_n ay_o but_o have_v not_o i_o neglect_v the_o offer_n of_o his_o grace_n too_o long_o so_o that_o god_n will_v not_o now_o be_v reconcile_v and_o become_v i_o though_o i_o do_v choose_v he_o if_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v and_o we_o will_v not_o open_a time_n may_v come_v that_o we_o may_v stand_v at_o his_o door_n too_o and_o knock_v and_o he_o not_o open_v unto_o we_o prov._n 1.24_o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n ver_fw-la 28._o they_o shall_v call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o because_o they_o will_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o zech._n 7.11_o as_o i_o call_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o shall_v call_v and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v say_v the_o lord_n mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v notâ—_n therefore_o your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a god_n utter_o cast_v off_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o will_v not_o choose_v he_o nor_o close_o with_o his_o tender_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o if_o we_o stand_v off_o till_o too_o late_a he_o may_v reject_v we_o for_o ever_o now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o see_v
distance_n that_o god_n and_o a_o people_n can_v twalk_v together_o because_o than_o they_o be_v not_o can_v be_v agree_v yet_o be_v agree_v and_o the_o process_n make_v they_o may_v and_o do_v very_o many_o of_o god_n people_n walk_v together_o not_o only_o in_o their_o duty_n be_v they_o near_o to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o conversation_n their_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v still_o with_o he_o and_o his_o presence_n be_v with_o they_o and_o thus_o in_o their_o whloe_a life_n be_v there_o a_o bless_a communion_n keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v betwixt_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o kind_n of_o nearness_n viz._n the_o nearness_n of_o converse_n and_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n thus_o very_o brief_o i_o have_v open_v to_o you_o the_o explicatory_a part_n of_o this_o observation_n there_o remain_v yet_o the_o application_n of_o all_o this_o and_o i_o shall_v speak_v something_o to_o this_o purpose_n by_o way_n of_o information_n by_o way_n of_o consolation_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n 1._o use_v of_o information_n this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o god_n own_o church_n and_o people_n and_o other_o that_o be_v worldly_a and_o wicked_a man_n god_n saint_n and_o people_n they_o be_v near_o to_o god_n and_o all_o other_o be_v people_n far_o off_o from_o he_o this_o be_v that_o difference_n that_o god_n have_v make_v between_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o people_n and_o saint_n and_o as_o wicked_a man_n be_v separate_v and_o far_o from_o god_n so_o be_v they_o far_o from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n also_o they_o be_v divide_v by_o god_n and_o separate_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o estate_n here_o and_o the_o work_n be_v still_o do_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o in_o time_n then_o shall_v time_n have_v a_o end_n but_o now_o they_o be_v separate_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o estate_n only_o hereafter_o they_o shall_v be_v separate_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o estate_n but_o place_n also_o on_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o such_o separation_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o be_v altogether_o separate_v from_o the_o company_n of_o wicked_a man_n here_o yea_o in_o the_o very_a church_n itself_o whosoever_o will_v be_v so_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 5.9_o 10._o hereafter_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v separate_v to_o the_o far_a distance_n from_o god_n and_o the_o saint_n too_o that_o possible_a can_v be_v they_o be_v here_o now_o far_o from_o he_o the_o lord_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a but_o he_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a prov._n 15.29_o what_o a_o privilege_n be_v that_o that_o god_n be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o righteous_a that_o he_o hear_v every_o one_o of_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o sad_a state_n they_o can_v be_v here_o in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o a_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n be_v that_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n there_o god_n hear_v prayer_n be_v put_v contradistinct_a from_o god_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o god_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o regard_n that_o he_o hear_v none_o of_o their_o prayer_n psal_n 18.41_o they_o cry_v but_o there_o be_v none_o to_o save_v they_o even_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o answer_v they_o not_o according_a to_o that_o joh._n 9.31_o god_n hear_v not_o finner_n that_o be_v wilful_a and_o impenitent_a finner_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n psal_n 145.18_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o near_o to_o his_o people_n that_o he_o dwell_v in_o his_o people_n isa_n 57.15_o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v bloy_v i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n while_o man_n abide_v in_o their_o natural_a condition_n god_n be_v far_o from_o they_o and_o they_o be_v far_o from_o god_n what_o a_o sad_a condition_n be_v it_o to_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o god_n do_v man_n but_o believe_v and_o serious_o weigh_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o high_a prerogative_n of_o god_n people_n to_o be_v so_o near_o to_o he_o even_o here_o in_o this_o world_n what_o a_o great_a dignity_n do_v people_n think_v it_o to_o be_v to_o be_v near_o to_o a_o great_a personage_n whether_o the_o king_n or_o if_o it_o be_v one_o inferior_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a privilege_n to_o be_v nigh_o unto_o the_o king_n person_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n or_o to_o be_v conversant_a about_o he_o by_o way_n of_o attendance_n and_o how_o great_o do_v they_o take_v on_o they_o that_o be_v near_o the_o blood_n royal_a in_o descent_n or_o but_o near_o a_o nobleman_n by_o way_n of_o service_n what_o honour_n and_o exaltation_n be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v near_o the_o live_a god_n in_o spiritual_a kin_n and_o alliance_n this_o be_v true_a nobility_n when_o god_n be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o kin_n and_o religion_n the_o root_n say_v one_o and_o to_o be_v conversant_a about_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o spiritual_a service_n and_o performance_n it_o be_v the_o periphrasis_n or_o description_n of_o noble_n to_o be_v near_o the_o king_n person_n jer._n 52.25_o in_o heb._n that_o see_v the_o face_n of_o the_o king_n to_o be_v about_o great_a and_o high_a person_n be_v a_o great_a dignity_n but_o how_o much_o more_o to_o compass_v god_n about_o and_o to_o be_v round_o about_o he_o as_o the_o saint_n be_v say_v to_o do_v and_o to_o be_v psal_n 7.7_o so_o shall_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n compass_n thou_o about_o so_o psal_n 76.11_o let_v all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o he_o bring_v present_n etc._n etc._n god_n people_n be_v say_v to_o be_v round_o about_o he_o as_o the_o 12._o tribe_n pitch_v round_o about_o the_o tabernacle_n numb_a 2.2_o and_o as_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n be_v find_v about_o god_n throne_n rev._n 4.4_o with_o 6._o so_o the_o chaldee_n expound_v it_o you_o that_o dwell_v about_o the_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o noble_n dwell_v round_o about_o the_o king_n court_n 76._o ans_fw-fr in_o psal_n 76._o they_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n that_o be_v round_o about_o god_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o god_n and_o they_o speak_v together_o as_o god_n be_v say_v to_o do_v to_o moses_n who_o can_v speak_v to_o god_n when_o he_o will_v and_o be_v near_o to_o god_n a_o great_a while_n together_o at_o some_o time_n and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n exod._n 33.11_o the_o same_o he_o be_v say_v to_o do_v to_o israel_n his_o people_n who_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o people_n near_o unto_o he_o on_o mount_n sinai_n deut._n 5.4_o but_o now_o wicked_a man_n be_v afar_o off_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o god_n nor_o affection_n from_o god_n so_o say_v david_n he_o know_v the_o proud_a afar_o off_o psal_n 138.6_o and_o as_o they_o be_v so_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v for_z they_o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o job_n 22.17_o thus_o do_v we_o see_v the_o first_o thing_n discover_v to_o we_o even_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o wicked_a and_o godly_a man_n 2._o use_v by_o way_n of_o consolation_n it_o be_v for_o comfort_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n that_o do_v enjoy_v this_o privilege_n that_o be_v indeed_o near_o unto_o god_n and_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o brethren_n there_o be_v divers_a privilege_n follow_v from_o this_o first_o of_o all_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o suffer_v none_o to_o do_v they_o harm_v that_o be_v near_o to_o he_o or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v avenge_v they_o will_v you_o not_o do_v so_o for_o they_o that_o be_v near_o you_o if_o any_o shall_v come_v to_o hurt_v your_o child_n will_v you_o not_o save_v he_o if_o you_o can_v if_o any_o body_n shall_v set_v on_o your_o wife_n to_o do_v she_o any_o wrong_a or_o injury_n you_o will_v do_v the_o utmost_a you_o can_v to_o avenge_v their_o quarrel_n just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n psal_n 105_o 14â—_n yea_o he_o rebuke_v king_n for_o their_o sake_n 15._o say_v touch_v not_o my_o anoint_a and_o do_v my_o prophet_n no_o harm_n or_o if_o they_o do_v he_o will_v avenge_v they_o and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n luk._n 18.78_o which_o cry_v unto_o he_o day_n